New York has the history, the name and the lights of Broadway. New Jersey has the teams; the Giants and Jets share use of the Meadowlands. Since Giants Stadium opened with a loss for its namesake in October 1976, the Giants have won two Super Bowls and appeared in a third. Bill Parcells stalked the sidelines for both, coaching such players as pass-rusher Lawrence Taylor, linebacker Harry Carson and quarterback Phil Simms. Running back Franco Harris was born in Fort Dix.
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Rutgers beat Princeton 6-4 in the first college football game on Nov. 6, 1869. The Scarlet Knights were 11-0 in 1976 and challenged for a BCS berth this season. Singer Paul Robeson was also a two-time All-American there from 1915-18. Like other Ivy League schools, Princeton's national impact has dwindled. Halfback Dick Kazmaier won the Heisman in 1951, the second of consecutive undefeated seasons for the Tigers. The 1922 "Team of Destiny" was undefeated with five shutouts.

Don Bosco Prep is routinely one of the best programs in New Jersey and the country. NCAA all-time leading rusher and Heisman Trophy winner Ron Dayne hails from the Garden State, as does last year's top recruiting prospect, Myron Rolle. Spring 2006 D-I signees: 47. Fall 2006 high school football teams: 439.
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